Inside a classroom in Purdue University’s Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, students in BME 314 take turns walking across the room. There are no reflective markers attached to their joints and no bulky sensors strapped to their limbs.

As the Spring 2026 Emerging Research Leaders program concludes, we’re spotlighting Rachel Surowiec and her experience in the program.

Researchers at Purdue University have developed synthetic DNA origami tiles that self-insert into live neuronal membranes to form stable nanopores, enabling scientists to record intracellular electrical activity and deliver drugs directly into targeted neurons — without damaging the cell membrane. Published in Nature Nanotechnology, this “outside looking in” approach opens a new paradigm for long-term, high-fidelity neural interfaces and precisely targeted therapies for neurological disease.

Progress reflects new interdisciplinary programs, expanded campus engagement and research investments in pharmaceutical innovation

Craig Goergen, professor and associate head of the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University, has been selected as a 2026 Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassador — a distinction recognizing former Fulbright participants who promote international education and cultural exchange through outreach, mentorship and public engagement.

Purdue University and medical device manufacturer Cook Medical on Thursday (May 7) announced a five-year master sponsored research and collaboration agreement (MSRCA) to jointly advance innovative medical technologies while also significantly expanding the university’s research capabilities and bolstering the biomedical engineering workforce pipeline.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 Bravo Award winners from BME: Darcy Allen, Mike Mifflin, Teresa Klemme, Dyann Segvich, Tracy Moller, Elizabeth Rowen and Paolo Morales-Vasquez. Thank you for everything you do for our school and beyond!

Purdue BME seniors in Indianapolis presented their capstone projects at BME Design Day 2026, showcasing technical solutions ranging from noninvasive bladder sensors to scoliosis education models. This event marked the culmination of a year-long collaboration between students and medical professionals to address clinical needs through real-world engineering design.

BME assistant professor Estelle Park has received a $450,000 grant from the BrightFocus Foundation to advance research on macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of blindness in older adults.

Four Purdue University Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering students have earned one of the nation’s most prestigious honors — the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Jessica Prakash, Nathan Petrucci, Deniz Eksioglu and Giada Brandes were selected from nearly 14,000 applicants nationwide by the NSF.